The old Cereol Factory in the Utrecht neighbourhood of Oog in Al has undergone a metamorphosis. For decades, this was where soya oil was produced − in the heart of the neighbourhood. In 2001, the City Council bought the factory after years of protests against the factory by local residents.

After a fire in 2008, the listed building was assigned a new function. The Cereol Factory is now home to schools, companies, a theatre and a gymnasium. And, last but not least, the Oog in Al branch of the Utrecht Library. Bieb Systems was contracted to realise the interior design for this very special library.

Successful library concept

Elza van der Lee is involved in the interior design of branches of the Utrecht Library. She is very excited about the library in the Cereol Factory.

“We completely changed the way we present the collections. They’re no longer sorted by alphabet or number, but by theme − for example, Literature & Culture, Sport or Technology. In fact, in the same way as in bookshops. A theme is presented to the customers with display tables and cabinets so that they can easily find what they’re looking for. The displays change every three weeks, which enables us to respond to current events.

This presentation method has been a great success In the Cereol Factory. We use new, dark-coloured bookcases with special display shelves that highlight the books. This has made the collection very accessible.”

Historical location

“The Cereol Factory is our cultural heritage. We had to comply with strict rules for the interior design. For example, we weren’t allowed to drill any holes. Bieb Systems realised the interior design on the basis of our architectural firm’s ‘zoning plan’. This enabled us to preserve the characteristic elements of the factory, making it a very special space.”

Bieb Systems contributing ideas

“We’ve been working with Bieb Systems for years. They always have brilliant ideas. I like the fact that they manufacture everything themselves, either from wood or metal. And they ‘unburdened’ us too. For example, they place orders with suppliers. Added to that, they’re always easy to reach. And if there’s follow-up work to be done, they just do it, no questions asked. In a nutshell, I’m very happy with Bieb Systems.”